Complete one or both of the interactive, self-paced eLearning modules on your computer or mobile device. Earn free contact hours!

PART 1 - About 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, with 90-95% of those having Type 2 Diabetes. (CDC) The majority of these people receive health care in the primary care setting (Pilla et. al). Physiologically, diabetes affects multiple organ systems, as well as the emotional well-being of the affected person. Medicine regimens can be complex, especially for an older person with other chronic conditions. To enable the practice staff to support the person with Type 2 Diabetes, this course uses case studies of familiar patients seen in primary care. Practical office-based clinical assessment and patient education concepts are presented. Basic pharmacology of diabetes drugs, laboratory tests used to assess and monitor the disease and common physical exam findings are covered. Register online at www.nwahec.org/75805

PART 2 - Managing diabetes requires much more than taking medicines and visiting the primary care provider’s office---lifestyle changes at the heart of a person’s very self are needed. People with diabetes are 2-3 times more likely to have depression than those without diabetes (CDC). Typically considered a lifelong chronic condition, Type 2 diabetes requires the affected person to incorporate it into their self-image and work every day on difficult behavior changes. Mood disturbances may also be the result of physiologic changes caused by the illness, or from medication side effects. Building on the foundation of Part 1 of this series, this module focuses on the impact a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes can have on the mental health of patients they see in primary care. Register online at www.nwahec.org/75808

Part 2 builds on the case study presented in Part 1, so you are encouraged (but not required) to take both modules.

There is no charge for either online course. Course registration is generously supported by the Division of Health Benefits.

Live Webinar Every Tuesday 12 - 1 PM

In this educational endeavor, the goal is to enlighten learners about the prevalence of diabetes and chronic kidney disease within primary care settings. Delving into the factors that hinder or support patient involvement in their treatment, this initiative will also delve into strategies for enhancing performance and implementing activities that foster wellness in individuals with diabetes.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a subject that makes many of us cringe. Yet they are on the rise, especially in the era of hookup apps and healthy aging.

For example, Syphilis cases are on the rise in North Carolina. Cases of syphilis among women jumped 133% between 2019 and 2022, with a 28% increase in congenital syphilis cases in 2023!

Syphilis can affect anyone but is currently rising in women, and in men who have sex with women. This has led to an alarming increase in cases of congenital syphilis.

Pastor and founder of MedicareSchool.com joins us for a primer on Medicare. He demystifies Medicare, when and how it begins, what you can receive, and cost considerations. And he shares the decision making processes (and common mistakes) people make when choosing their coverage.

No Cost to Attend - Live Webinars in August. This series of three interactive webinars for the practice team addresses different aspects of primary care management of patients with diabetes.

The activity will consist of 3 half day sessions focused on how to assess patients for psychiatric disorders in the primary care setting; how to assess for suicide and dangerousness; and diagnosis and treatment of disorders commonly encountered in primary care (mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis, somatic disorders, substance abuse, sleep disorders). There will be an optional half-day for those who wish to become buprenorphine waivered practitioners. The course will be offered in person. Register here

Northwest AHEC Practice Support would like to celebrate great work going on in its seventeen-county region. Grace Clinic of Yadkin Valley in Elkin, NC was one of six Free and Charitable Clinics nationally that received funding from grantee: Becton, Dickenson and Company (NYSE:BDX) to provide multi-year diagnostic testing.  This initiative which began in 2017 is called Point of Care, Enhancing Clinical Effectiveness (PoCECE) program.  The PoCECE program provides a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) waived point-of-care test system consisting of instruments, reagents and quality control to perform the following tests: Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides, Macroscopic Urinalysis, Microalbumin, INR, Hemoglobin A1c, Strep A, HIV, Rapid Hepatitis C, Pregnancy, Flu A & B, and RSV.  The grants also include technical support consisting of standard operating procedures, equipment setup and configuration, competency training and documentation.¹

We hope you can make plans to join us on November 5th 9am-3pm for this Conference being held as Live Webinar this year. 

Wake Forest School of Medicine and Northwest AHEC would like to invite you to Save The Date July 25-27 for Beach Week 2022! Beach Week will take place at Kingston Plantation / Embassy Suites in Myrtle Beach, SC. Sign up to be added to the list to receive more information.